Jos enjoys strong start at Omloop van Vlaanderen rally: 'Really happy'

Published on 06 September 2024 by Stefan Meens

Jos Verstappen finished second on the opening day of the Omloop van Vlaanderen. Jos is contesting the rally together with co-driver Renaud Jamoul in a Fabia RS Rally2 car. The event is part of the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC).

“I’ve taken it easy on some parts, especially when braking into corners as it was still really slippery. We didn’t want to take any risks, but it went well, so I’m happy”, said Jos after the first five stages. “Saturday is a long day, but last year the stages seemed to suit me. And it does help I’ve driven here before. We’ll see what happens.”

Friday night features 5 timed sections accross three stages: Beveren, Koolskampa and Zoning, with the first two being contested twice.

Niels Reynvoet is quickest on the opening stage, followed by Cédric Cherain and Maxime Potty. Jos clocks the fourth fastest time, trailing by 5.6 seconds. The Dutchman is right on the pace on the second stage with a scratch time. Both Reynvoet and Potty endure a tough stage two with both going off and eliminating for a fight for the overall win.

Verstappen and Jamoul continue with another fastest time meaning they lead the rally after three timed sections. On the final two stages, the duo set the fourth quickest time, meaning they end the day in second, 1.3 seconds behind Cherain, teeing up a close fight during the remaining fifteen stages on Saturday.